Relatives of Boy Burned in Accident Set Up Trust Fund

ORANGE — Relatives of a 2-year-old boy who suffered severe burns during an accident this month have established a trust fund to help pay for the youth’s mounting medical expenses.

Vapors from gasoline that spilled on Thaddeus Culp caught fire when he walked by the pilot light of a water heater outside his grandmother’s Fullerton home. The boy has been in critical condition in the burn unit at UCI Medical Center in Orange since the Aug. 6 accident, said his father, Shawn Culp.

“This thing is so traumatic, it changes your life in a heartbeat,” Shawn Culp said. He said his son, who had his first surgery last Thursday, will probably stay in the hospital for at least two more months.

Thaddeus suffered second- and third-degree burns over 70% of his body.

Family members asked that any donations to the trust fund be sent to: T.J. Culp Trust Fund, California Federal Bank, 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif. 90036, Attention: Barbara McGann.